Exercise band, kit, and method of use thereof

ABSTRACT

An exercise band including a waist band and a resistance band. The waist band is configured to be wrapped around the waist of a user and the resistance band is stretchable between an unstretched position and a stretched position. The waist band is configured to be releasably connected to the resistance band. Further, an exercise kit including a waist band and a number of resistance bands is disclosed. Each resistance bands in the exercise kit requires a different force for stretching the resistance band between the unstretched and stretched positions. Furthermore, a method for a user to exercise is disclosed. The method includes providing an exercise band, wrapping the waist band around the waist of the user, crossing the resistance band, stepping onto a portion of the resistance band, and performing squatting exercises such that the resistance band opposes the user&#39;s movement during the squatting exercise.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates generally to an exercise device, and moreparticularly to an exercise band for performing a squatting exercise.The invention also relates to an exercise kit including the exerciseband and a method of exercising using the exercise band.

BACKGROUND

A growing trend in the fitness community is a transition from exercisingin commercial gyms to exercising at home. Many prefer the convenienceand privacy of exercising at home as opposed to in public. However,transitioning to at home fitness can pose challenges. One such challengeis the availability of exercise equipment. Typically, one would not haveall of the same exercise equipment at home as would be found in acommercial gym, and for good reason. Commercial gym equipment can bebulky, difficult to assemble or move, and prohibitively expensive forsomeone who wishes to exercise at home.

For example, if one desired to exercise the largest muscle group in thehuman body, the quadriceps, in a commercial gym, then one may seek out asquat rack to perform squat exercises possibly with a barbell foradditional weight. A squat rack can be found in almost any commercialgym. At home, however, one is unlikely to have a squat rack for personaluse due to space, cost, and other restrictions. Without access to asquat rack, those exercising at home turn to alternative exercisedevices.

Existing alternative exercise devices, intended to be used whenperforming a squat exercise, exhibit various shortcomings. Some existingdevices require a user to wrap the device around their neck orshoulders. Such an arrangement, however, could possibly pose a safetyrisk to the user. Further, other existing devices are limiting orrestrictive and require a user to hold the device or a portion thereofin their hands while performing exercises. In occupying the hands of auser, such devices eliminate the possibility of the user to performother, different exercises simultaneous to the squat exercise. Forexample, one could not (at least not without great difficulty) holddumbbells in their hands to perform bicep curls while also performing asquat exercise if the exercise device requires a user to hold the deviceor a portion thereof in their hands. Moreover, some known alternativeexercise devices are restrictive, uncomfortable, and difficult to getinto or out of.

Accordingly, there is a need for an exercise device and method of usethereof for squat exercises that can be used in environments outside ofa commercial gym. There is a need for the device to be safe, hands-free,easy to use, and comfortable. Further, there is a need for an exercisekit that allows for the exercise device to be customized or tailored toa particular user's exercise needs.

SUMMARY

To address these and other deficiencies, an exercise band is disclosed.The exercise band includes a waist band and a resistance band. The waistband is configured to be partially wrapped about a waist of a userduring use and includes an elongate strap having a first end and asecond end. Each of the first and second ends includes a firstconnector. The resistance band is stretchable between an unstretchedposition and a stretched position through the application of a force.The resistance band includes an elongate body having a first end and asecond end. Each of the first and second ends of the elongate bodyincludes a second connector. The waist band and the resistance band maybe connected via their respective connectors. Specifically, the firstconnector at the first end of the elongate strap is configured to bereleasably connected to the second connector at the first end of theresistance band. Similarly, the first connector at the second end of theelongate strap is configured to be releasably connected to the secondconnector at the second end of the resistance band.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the elongate strap of the waistband is stretchable so as to conform to the waist of the user andprovide for a more comfortable exercise experience for the user.Additionally, the strap may include an interior surface and an exteriorsurface, the interior surface confronting the user and the exteriorsurface being opposite the interior surface during use. The interiorsurface may further include an anti-slip feature to prevent the waistband from slipping from the waist of a user when in use. Further, thefirst and second ends of the strap are configured to be disconnectedfrom each other during use of the exercise band such that the waist banddoes not form a closed loop about the user.

In one embodiment, the exercise band includes a reinforcing tab at thefirst and second ends of the strap to provide additional strength. Inthis regard, each of the reinforcing tabs includes the first connector.The first connectors are configured to connect to the resistance band,and specifically to the second connectors of the resistance band. In anexemplary embodiment, the first connector may take the form of a loop ora slot and the second connector may take the form of a carabiner or anenlarged head piece. Moreover, the resistance band may include asubstantially circular or flat cross-sectional profile.

In another embodiment an exercise kit is disclosed. The exercise kitincludes a waist band and several resistance bands. The waist band isconfigured to be at least partly wrapped about a waist of a user duringuse and includes an elongate strap having a first end and a second end.Each of the first and second ends of the elongate strap includes a firstconnector. Each of the several resistance bands included in the exercisekit is stretchable between an unstretched position and a stretchedposition through the application of a force, wherein each of the severalresistance bands in the exercise kit requires a different force forstretching the resistance band between the unstretched position and thestretched position. Each resistance band includes an elongate bodyhaving a first end and a second end. Each of the first and second endsof the elongate body includes a second connector. In an exemplaryembodiment, each of the several resistance bands has a different colorsuch that the different colors communicate to a user that the resistancebands offer different levels of resistance.

In still a further embodiment, a method for a user to exercise using theexercise band or exercise kit is disclosed. The method for a user toexercise includes providing an exercise band, as described above. Themethod further includes partially wrapping the waist band around a waistof the user such that, when attached, the resistance band is in front ofthe user. The method also includes crossing the resistance band suchthat the resistance band intersects itself in front of the user.According to the method a user also steps onto a portion of theresistance band to restrain the resistance band beneath the user's feet.Once the waist band and resistance band are in place, a user may performsquatting exercises. The resistance band will oppose the user's movementfor a portion of the squatting exercise, such as the portion from thesquatted position to the standing position.

In one embodiment, the step of performing squatting exercises may behands free. Because the user can perform the squatting exercises handsfree, the user is then free to perform arm exercises simultaneous withperforming squatting exercises. Further, the step of stepping onto aportion of the resistance band can be done while the user is in at leasta partially squatted position.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, the method further includesdetaching the resistance band from the waist band, attaching anotherresistance band to the waist band, and performing the crossing step, thestepping step, and the performing step using another resistance band.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with a Detailed Description of the embodiments given below,serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exercise band according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 1A-1A in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1A, but showing analternative cross-sectional profile;

FIG. 2 is a left side elevation view of the exercise band of FIG. 1 ,showing how the waist band and resistance band are joined together;

FIG. 3 is a left side elevation view of the exercise band of FIG. 1 ,showing the waist band and resistance band joined together;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the exercise band of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the exercise band of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6 is a left side elevation view of the exercise band according toan alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a left side elevation view of the exercise band of FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the exercise band of FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 9 is a left side elevation view of the exercise band according to afurther alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a left side elevation view of the exercise band of FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the exercise band of FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 12 is a front plan view of an exercise kit according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the exercise band according to anembodiment of the present disclosure, showing the exercise band in use;and

FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the exercise band of FIG. 13 ,showing the exercise band in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments described herein are provided for illustrativepurposes and are not limiting. Other exemplary embodiments are possible,and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments within thescope of the present disclosure. Therefore, this Detailed Description isnot meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1-14 show an exercise band 10, or portions thereof, in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention. The exercise band 10 offersan at home (or otherwise outside of a commercial gym setting) fitnesssolution for users seeking to enhance their squat exercises withouthaving to rely on bulky and expensive commercial gym equipment (e.g., asquat rack). Further, the exercise band 10 avoids problems of otherexercise devices known in the art. For example, in contrast to someprior art devices known in the art, the exercise band 10 is safer touse, hands-free, convenient to put on and take off, and comfortable.Other advantages and technical effects of the embodiments of thisinvention will become evident to one skilled in the art from thefollowing description.

With specific reference to FIG. 1 , the exercise band 10 includes awaist band 12 joined to a resistance band 14. The waist band 12 includesan elongate strap 16 having a first end 18 and a second end 20 separatedby the length of the elongate strap 16. In one embodiment, the waistband 12 is roughly 3.25 inches wide and roughly 32 inches long. However,the dimensions of the waist band 12 may vary depending on, for example,the size of the user. Each of the first and second ends 18, 20 of theelongate strap 16 includes a first connector 22 (discussed in furtherdetail below with respect to FIGS. 2-11 ). Further, the elongate strap16 includes an interior surface 24 and an opposing exterior surface 26.The elongate strap 16 is configured to be partly wrapped around a rearwaist of a user above the user's glutes (See FIGS. 13 and 14 ). When thewaist band 12 is worn by a user, the interior surface 24 of the waistband 12 faces the user while the exterior surface 26 faces outwardly andaway from the user. Unlike some other known exercise devices, theexercise band 10 does not require a user to wrap anything around his orher neck or shoulders.

In an embodiment, the elongate strap 16 may be made from a stretchable,elastic material that is capable of conforming to a user's waist whenthe waist band 12 is worn. For example, the elongate strap 16 may have adurable elastic fabric construction. It is to be understood thatsuitable alternative stretchable materials may be used for the elongatestrap 16, including stretchable plastics, for example. Regardless of thespecific material used, the elongate strap 16 will offer a userincreased comfort over some other exercise devices (e.g., leather ornylon weightlifting belts) known in the art at least because theelongate strap 16 is stretchable and elastic in composition and conformsto a user's waist by virtue of its construction. For example, the waistband 12 is configured to reduce pinching and bunching up. The snug fitthat the waist band 12 offers through clinging to a user's waist and bydistributing the forces on the waist band (e.g., due to the pull of aresistance band 14) around the user's waist advantageously provides amore comfortable experience for the user. Such added comfort isdesirable at least because resistance band 14 exercises tend to includea high number of repetitions and thus a user could be wearing the waistband 12 for an extended period of time while exercising.

In a further embodiment, the elongate strap 16 may be configured with ananti-slip feature 27 (shown in phantom) to prevent the waist band 12from slipping from the waist of a user, for example, while performing asquatting exercise. Specifically, the interior surface 24 of theelongate strap 16 may include a high friction material like, forexample, rubber in or on the interior surface 24 of the elongate strap16 such that the included material decreases the likelihood that thewaist band 12 will slip from the waist of a user. It is to be understoodthat suitable alternative materials may be used in place of rubber onthe interior surface 24 of the elongate strap 16 to prevent the elongatestrap 16 from slipping.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , the elongate strap 16 terminates at eachopposing end in a reinforcing tab 28. The reinforcing tabs 28 areseparated from each other on the waist band 12 by a length of theelongate strap 16 and reinforce the connection of the elongate strap 16to the first connectors 22. When the waist band 12 is worn by a user,the elongate strap 16 wraps around the rear waist of the user and thereinforcing tabs 28 are located proximate to the front waist of theuser. In one embodiment, the reinforcing tabs 28 are formed from amaterial different than the material of the elongate strap 16. Forexample, the reinforcing tabs 28 may be formed from a vinyl material. Itis to be understood that suitable alternative materials may be used inplace of a vinyl material. For example, leather or synthetic leathercould be used as well. Regardless of the specific material chosen, thereinforcing tabs 28 are configured to withstand more force from theresistance band 14 than the resistance band 14 could apply to thereinforcing tabs 28. In one embodiment, the reinforcing tabs 28 may beconfigured to withstand up to 200 pounds of weight. In other words, theconstruction of the reinforcing tabs 28 is such that they areparticularly durable and can withstand repeated use, as typicallyexperienced during high repetition exercises. To that end, in oneembodiment each reinforcing tab 28 includes a reinforced stitchingpattern that further secures the reinforcing tab 28 to the elongatestrap 16. The stitching secures an end of the elongate strap 16 betweentwo portions of the reinforcing tab 28 by techniques known in the art,such as by a box X stitch or similar patterns.

The resistance band 14 to which the waist band 12 connects includes anelongate body 30 and has a first end 32 and a second end 34 separated bythe length of the elongate body 30. Each of the first and second ends32, 34 of the resistance band 14 include a second connector 36,discussed in further detail below with respect to FIGS. 2-11 . In oneembodiment, the resistance band 14 is roughly 39 inches long(unstretched). It should be recognized, however, that the length of theresistance band 14 may vary depending on, for example, the size of theuser. Further, the elongate body 30 of the resistance band 14 isstretchable between an unstretched position and a stretched position. Totransition the resistance band 14 from an unstretched position to astretched position, a user applies an axial force to the resistance band1, i.e., separating the first end 32 from the second end 34 along thelength of the elongate body 30 of the resistance band 14. Differentresistance bands 14 may offer different levels of resistance for a user.In other words, one resistance band 14 may require a particular amountof force to stretch the resistance band 14 a certain length whileanother resistance band 14 may require more or less force. Further, theparticular resistance offered by a resistance band 14 may be influencedby the material that the resistance band 14 is made from. In anembodiment, the elongate body 30 of the resistance band 14 can be madefrom latex or another, suitable material.

Turning to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the figures show cross-sectional profiles ofembodiments of the resistance band 14. In FIG. 1A, the cross-sectionalprofile of the resistance band 14 may substantially circular. Such aprofile may lend itself to more easily being connected to the waist band12. In one embodiment, the resistance band 14 could be tubular to form aprofile as seen in FIG. 1A. It is to be understood that the resistanceband 14 could have a substantially circular profile without theresistance band 14 being in the form of a tube. For example, the core ofthe resistance band 14 could be solid, in contrast to what is shown inFIG. 1A. In FIG. 1B, the cross-sectional profile of the resistance band14 may be substantially flat or ribbon-like. In this alternativeembodiment, such a profile may be more comfortable for a user toconstrain beneath his or her feet when using the exercise band 10. It isto be understood that the dimensions of the substantially flat orribbon-like resistance band 14 of FIG. 1B can vary. For example, theresistance band 14 could be wider than what is shown in FIG. 1B or theresistance band 14 could be taller than what is shown in FIG. 1B.Further, it is to be further understood that the cross-sectional profileof the resistance band 14 is not to be limited to the embodiments shownin FIGS. 1A and 1B but may have other cross-sectional profiles.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-11 , these figures illustrate variousembodiments of the region where the waist band 12 connects to theresistance band 14. Generally, the interface between the waist band 12and the resistance band 14 includes a first connector 22 from the waistband 12 and a second connector 36 from the resistance band 14. In anexemplary embodiment, each reinforcing tab 28 at each of the ends 18, 20of the waist band 12 includes a first connector 22 and each of the ends32, 34 of the resistance band 14 includes a second connector 36. Thefirst connector 22 of the waist band 12 receives the second connector 36of the resistance band 14 such that the waist band 12 and the resistanceband 14 become selectively coupled together by their connectors 22, 36.Specifically, the first connector 22 at the first end 18 of the elongatestrap 16 is configured to be releasably connected to the secondconnector 36 at the first end 32 of the resistance band 14 and the firstconnector 22 at the second end 20 of the elongate strap 16 is configuredto be releasably connected to the second connector 36 at the second end34 of the resistance band 14. While specific embodiments are shown inFIGS. 2-11 and elaborated upon below, it is to be understood that theinterface between the waist band 12 and the resistance band 14 can takeon a number of forms including, but not limited to, the includedembodiments. Accordingly, the provided embodiments should not beinterpreted as limiting.

With specific reference to FIGS. 2-5 , these figures illustrate a firstembodiment where the waist band 12 connects to the resistance band 14.In this embodiment, the first connector 22 may be configured as a loop.The loop may be made from nylon or another suitable, durable material.Alternatively, the first connector 22 may be configured as a loop thatfurther features a D-ring as illustrated in FIG. 2 . The D-ring may bemade of hard plastic or other suitable materials, including variousmetals, for example. The first connector 22 is secured to thereinforcing tab 28 in a manner similar to how the elongate strap 16 issecured to the reinforcing tab 28. Specifically, the first connector 22may be secured to the reinforcing tab 28 by a reinforced stitchingpattern. The stitching secures an end of the first connector 22, e.g.,loop, between two portions of the reinforcing tab 28 by techniques knownin the art. It is to be understood that the first connector 22 could besecured to the reinforcing tab 28 by other means. Further, in thisembodiment the second connector 36 is a carabiner. The carabiner issecured to the resistance band 14 by techniques known in the art.

In this embodiment, to releasably connect the waist band 12 andresistance band 14 together, a portion of the second connector 36, e.g.,carabiner, may be inserted through the first connector 22, e.g, loop, asshown in FIGS. 2 and 3 . Once connected, the carabiner is free to movewithin the boundaries defined by the loop. Such freedom of movementprovides for a more user-friendly experience when putting on or takingoff the exercise band 10 and further allows a user of the exercise band10 to exercise freely, unencumbered by more restrictive connectionmeans. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the relatively slim side profile of theexercise band 10. Specifically, the connection between the firstconnector 22, e.g., loop, and the second connector 36, e.g., carabiner,at the region where the waist band 12 connects to the resistance band 14limits the extent to which the exercise band 10 gets in the way duringexercises, such as a squat.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8 , these figures illustrate a secondembodiment of the region where the waist band 12 connects to theresistance band 14. In this embodiment, the first connector 22 is akeyhole-shaped slot in the reinforcing tab 28. The keyhole shaped slotincludes a larger, upper portion and a smaller, lower portion. It is tobe understood that slots of other shapes and sizes could be substitutedin place of the keyhole-shaped slot. Further, in this embodiment thesecond connector 36 is an enlarged head piece. The enlarged head piecemay be made from plastic or another suitable material. The enlarged headpiece is integrated with the resistance band 14 by techniques known inthe art.

In this embodiment, to removably couple the waist band 12 and resistanceband 14 together, a portion of the second connector 36, e.g., enlargedhead piece, is inserted through the larger, upper portion of the firstconnector 22, e.g., keyhole-shaped slot, as shown in FIG. 6 . The firstor second end 32, 34 of the resistance band 14 is then slid towards thesmaller, lower portion of the keyhole-shaped slot as shown in FIG. 7 .When situated in the smaller, lower portion of the keyhole-shaped slot,the resistance band 14 is releasably connected to the waist band 12. Asshown in FIG. 8 , the second connector 36, e.g., enlarged head piece, islarger than the smaller, lower portion of the first connector 22, e.g.,keyhole-shaped slot, and thus the enlarged head piece cannot easily slipthrough the smaller, lower portion of the keyhole-shaped slot. Further,the tension of the exercise band 10 helps to ensure that the enlargedhead piece remains coupled to the keyhole-shaped slot when the exerciseband 10 is in use. The tension of the resistance band 14, pulling theends 32, 34 of the resistance band 14 away from the waist band 12,maintains the second connector 36 within the first connector 22.

Turning to FIGS. 9-11 , these figures illustrate a third embodiment ofthe region where the waist band 12 connects to the resistance band 14.In this embodiment, the first connector 22 is a buttonhole-like slot inthe reinforcing tab 28. It is to be understood that slots of othershapes and sizes could be substituted in place of the buttonhole-likeslot. As with the previously described embodiment, in this embodimentthe second connector 36 is an enlarged head piece. The enlarged headpiece is integrated with the resistance band 14 by techniques known inthe art.

In this embodiment, to releasably connect the waist band 12 andresistance band 14 together, a portion of the second connector 36, e.g.,enlarged head piece, may be inserted through the first connector 22,e.g., buttonhole-like slot, as shown in FIG. 9 . As shown in FIG. 10 ,the enlarged head piece is larger than the buttonhole-like slot and thusthe enlarged head piece cannot easily fit back through thebuttonhole-like slot. Further, FIG. 11 illustrates that the boundariesor edges of the buttonhole-like slot in the reinforcing tab 28 areconfigured to resist the enlarged head piece exiting the buttonhole-likeslot. Specifically, the buttonhole-like slot forms barbs around theenlarged head piece to make accidental extraction of the enlarged headpiece, for example, while the exercise band 10 is in use, difficult.

Referring now to FIG. 12 , the figures illustrate an exercise kit 38.The kit 38 consists of at least one waist band 12 and severalinterchangeable resistance bands 14. The resistance bands 14 in the kit38 offer different levels of resistance for a user. Specifically, thevariety of resistance bands 14 require a different amount of force forstretching the resistance bands 14 from an unstretched position to astretched position. For example, one of the resistance bands 14 mayoffer weight resistance of 10 to 15 pounds (depending on how stretchedthe resistance band 14 is), another resistance band 14 may offer weightresistance of 25 to 30 pounds, and a further resistance band 14 mayoffer weight resistance of 45 to 50 pounds. In one embodiment, theresistance offered to a user by a particular resistance band 14 can becommunicated to the user through the use of color so that a user canquickly and easily identify the resistance offered by a resistance band14. Specifically, resistance bands 14 of different resistances can bedifferentiated by color. For example, a resistance band 14 offering aweight resistance of 10 to 15 pounds may be one color (e.g., yellow), aresistance band 14 offering a weight resistance of 25 to 30 pounds maybe a different color (e.g., red), and a resistance band 14 offering aweight resistance of 45 to 50 pounds may be a further distinct color(e.g., blue).

The variety of resistance bands 14 with differing levels of resistanceincluded in the kit 38 allow a user to customize the exercise band 10 totheir preferences and exercise needs. For example, as a user becomesprogressively stronger through performing a specific exercise, the usercan increase the resistance of the exercise band 10 by changing theresistance band 14 from a resistance band 14 that requires less force tostretch to a resistance band 14 that requires more force to stretch.Alternatively or additionally, a user may choose to use differentresistance bands 14 for different modes of exercising. For example, auser may choose to use a resistance band 14 that offers a lowerresistance when performing high repetition exercises. Conversely, a usermay choose to use a resistance band 14 that offers a higher resistancewhen performing low repetition exercises.

Still referring to FIG. 12 , one advantage of the exercise kit 38 over,for example, a squat rack found in a typical, commercial gym is the sizeof the exercise kit 38 in comparison to the size of the squat rack. Auser that is interested in exercising at home (or otherwise outside of acommercial gym setting) can easily store the exercise kit 38 as thatwould only require the user to have the space for a waist band 12 andseveral resistance bands 14. The same cannot be said for a squat rack.All but the most dedicated users are not likely willing to or are notable to dedicate the space necessary to have a squat rack at home (orotherwise outside of a commercial gym setting).

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14 , the figures illustrate a method for auser to exercise using the exercise band 10. The method includesproviding an exercise band 10 that includes a waist band 12 and aresistance band 14, as previously described. In use, the waist band 12is wrapped around the waist of a user. Specifically, the waist band 12is partially wrapped around a rear waist of the user such that at leasta portion of the elongate strap 16 of the waist band 12 is located abovea user's glutes. When properly positioned, the first end 18 and secondend 20 of the waist band 12 should be in front of the user so that aresistance band 14 attached to the waist band 12 will also be in frontof the user.

It will be appreciated that the first and second ends 18, 20 of theelongate strap 16 of the waist band 12 are to be disconnected from eachother during use of the exercise band 10 (e.g., unlike a lifting belt).In other words, when the waist band 12 is wrapped around the waist of auser, the ends 18, 20 of the waist band 12 are not directly connected toeach other. Such a configuration permits the waist band 12 to betterconform to the waist of user throughout an exercise as the user's bodymoves. For example, the disconnected waist band 12 can adapt to thechanging contours of one's waist from a standing position to a squatposition, as during a squat exercise. Similarly, the ends 32, 34 of theresistance band 14 are disconnected from each other during use. Further,the ends 32, 34 of the resistance band 14 are not connected to a commonend (e.g., a first end 18 or second end 20) of the waist band 12 and theends 18, 20 of the waist band 12 are not connected to a common end(e.g., a first end 32 or second end 34) of the resistance band 14.

The method also includes crossing the resistance band 14 in front of theuser. Specifically, portions of the elongate body 30 of the resistanceband 14 should be crossed such that the resistance band 14 intersectsitself and the intersection of the resistance band 14 with itself shouldtake place in front of the user. Crossing the resistance band 14 in thismanner helps to maintain the exercise band 10 in place around a user'swaist while a user is exercising. Further, crossing the resistance band14 in front of the user functions to help keep the ends 32, 34 of theresistance band 14 out of the way of the user during exercise. At leastin this way, the exercise band 10 is configured to interfere less with auser and a user's motion during exercise, as compared to some knownprior exercise devices.

Specifically referring to FIG. 13 , the figure shows a user standing ona portion of the resistance band 14. The method includes a user steppingonto a portion of the resistance band 14 in order to restrain theresistance band 14 beneath the user's feet. The user can step onto theresistance band 14 either in an upright position, thereby stretching theresistance band 14, or in a partially squatted position. Other positionsare also acceptable. Stepping on the resistance band 14 prevents theresistance band 14 from moving while a user is exercising. The weightfrom the user's body secures a portion of the elongate body 30 of theresistance band 14 to the floor. Depending on a user's preference, aresistance band 14 that is generally circular in cross-sectional profile(as shown in FIG. 1A) or a resistance band 14 that is generally flat incross-sectional profile (as shown in FIG. 1B) may be used. A user mayfind it more comfortable to stand on a resistance band 14 with agenerally flat cross-sectional profile as opposed to a resistance band14 with a generally circular cross-sectional profile. Further, a usermay prefer to stand on the resistance band 14 while wearing shoes or analternative form of footwear as opposed to being barefoot or in socks.

A user should step on the resistance band 14 such that the resistanceband 14 roughly forms a triangle shape, with the top vertex of thetriangle formed by the resistance band 14 crossing itself near where theresistance band 14 is connected to the waist band 12 and the bottom twovertices of the triangle shape being formed by the user's feet on theelongate body 30 of the resistance band 14. A user's feet should beroughly shoulder width apart on the resistance band 14. However, it willbe understood that a user may prefer a narrower or a wider stance.

Specifically referring to FIG. 14 , the figures shows a user in themidst of a squat exercise. The method includes performing a squatexercise with the resistance band 14 constrained beneath a user's feet.With the resistance band 14 attached to the waist band 12 and restrainedbeneath a user's feet, the resistance band 14 will oppose the user'smotion for a portion of the squatting exercise as the resistance band 14stretches from an unstretched or nearly unstretched position (e.g., whena user is at the bottom of the squat exercise) to a stretched position(e.g., when a user is at the top of the squat exercise). Stretching theresistance band 14 from an unstretched to a stretched position requiresa user to apply additional force beyond what would be needed during asquat exercise without the exercise band 10. Thus, in opposing a user'smovement the exercise band 10 requires a user to expend additionalenergy when performing a squat exercise thereby improving the user'sexercise experience.

As demonstrated in FIG. 14 , a user may perform squat exercises with theexercise band 10 and without having to use his or her hands to performthe squat exercise. For example, it is not necessary that the user holdthe exercise band 10 in place on the user's waist while performing asquat exercise as may be necessary with other known exercise devices. Assuch, one benefit of the exercise band 10 is that a user is free toutilize their arms for other exercises while simultaneously using theexercise band 10 and performing a squat exercise. For example, as usermay hold dumbbells in their hands and perform bicep curls whilesimultaneously performing a squat exercise with the exercise band 10. Itis to be understood that other arm exercises with or without freeweights could also be performed simultaneous with performing squattingexercises. Alternatively, a user may choose to hold free weights intheir hands for the purpose of increasing the amount of weight that isbeing squatted, but not perform specific arm exercises simultaneous withtheir squat exercise.

Referring generally to FIGS. 13 and 14 , the method also includesdetaching the resistance band 14 from the waist band 12, attachinganother resistance band 14 (for example, another resistance band 14included in the exercise kit 38) to the waist band 12, and thenperforming the above noted steps (crossing, stepping, and performing)while using the another resistance band 14. In other words, the methodfor a user to exercise can be performed by a user using differentresistance bands 14 that offer different levels of resistance orresistance weights. For example, a user may determine that theparticular resistance band 14 that he or she is using with the exerciseband 10 is not offering enough resistance to the user's movement. Inthat case, the user may decide to swap out their current resistance band14 for a different resistance band 14 (or use a combination of one ormore resistance bands 14) that offers more resistance to his or hermovement. In this way, the exercise band 10 allows for a user to tailorhis or her exercise band 10 to his or her particular exercise needs ordesires. Such flexibility and personal customization is not offered bysome other exercise devices known in the art.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description ofvarious embodiments and while these embodiments have been described insome detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or inany way limit the scope of the invention to such detail. Additionaladvantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in theart. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited tothe specific details and illustrative examples shown and described.Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departingfrom the scope of the general inventive concept.

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise band, comprising: a waist bandincluding an elongate strap having a first end and a second end, whereinthe waist band is configured to be partially wrapped about a waist of auser during use, and wherein each of the first and second ends of theelongate strap includes a first connector; and a resistance bandincluding an elongate body having a first end and a second end, whereinthe resistance band is stretchable between an unstretched position and astretched position through the application of a force, and wherein eachof the first and second ends of the elongate body includes a secondconnector, wherein the first connector at the first end of the strap isconfigured to be releasably connected to the second connector at thefirst end of the resistance band, and wherein the first connector at thesecond end of the strap is configured to be releasably connected to thesecond connector at the second end of the resistance band.
 2. Theexercise band of claim 1, wherein the elongate strap is stretchable soas to conform to the waist of the user.
 3. The exercise band of claim 1,further comprising a reinforcing tab at the first and second ends of thestrap, wherein the reinforcing tab includes the first connector.
 4. Theexercise band of claim 1, wherein the strap includes an interior surfaceand an exterior surface opposite the interior surface, and wherein theinterior surface includes an anti-slip feature to prevent slipping ofthe waist band when on the user.
 5. The exercise band of claim 1,wherein the first connector includes a loop or a slot.
 6. The exerciseband of claim 1, wherein the second connector includes a carabiner or anenlarged head piece.
 7. The exercise band of claim 1, wherein theresistance band includes a substantially circular or flatcross-sectional profile.
 8. The exercise band of claim 1, wherein thefirst and second ends of the strap are configured to be disconnectedfrom each other during use of the exercise band.
 9. An exercise kit,comprising: a waist band including an elongate strap having a first endand a second end, wherein the waist band is configured to be at leastpartly wrapped about a waist of a user during use, and wherein each ofthe first and second ends of the elongate strap includes a firstconnector; a plurality of resistance bands, wherein each resistance bandincludes an elongate body having a first end and a second end, whereinthe resistance band is stretchable between an unstretched position and astretched position through the application of a force, and wherein eachof the first and second ends of the elongate body includes a secondconnector; wherein the first connector at the first end of the strap isconfigured to be releasably connected to the second connector at thefirst end of the resistance band, and wherein the first connector at thesecond end of the strap is configured to be releasably connected to thesecond connector at the second end of the resistance band, and whereineach of the plurality of resistance bands in the exercise kit requires adifferent force for stretching the resistance band between theunstretched position and the stretched position.
 10. The exercise kit ofclaim 9, wherein the elongate strap is stretchable so as to conform tothe waist of the user.
 11. The exercise kit of claim 9, furthercomprising a reinforcing tab at the first and second ends of the strap,wherein the reinforcing tab includes the first connector.
 12. Theexercise kit of claim 9, wherein the strap includes an interior surfaceand an exterior surface opposite the interior surface, and wherein theinterior surface includes an anti-slip feature to prevent slipping ofthe waist band when on the user.
 13. The exercise kit of claim 9,wherein the first connector includes a loop or a slot.
 14. The exercisekit of claim 9, wherein the second connector includes a carabiner or anenlarged head piece.
 15. The exercise kit of claim 9, wherein theresistance band includes a substantially circular or flatcross-sectional profile.
 16. The exercise kit of claim 9, wherein thefirst and second ends of the strap are configured to be disconnectedfrom each other during use of the exercise band.
 17. The exercise kit ofclaim 9, wherein each of the plurality of resistance bands has adifferent color.
 18. A method for a user to exercise, comprising:providing an exercise band, the exercise band comprising: a waist bandincluding an elongate strap having a first end and a second end; and aresistance band including an elongate body having a first end connectedto the first end of the strap and a second end connected to the secondend of the strap, wherein the resistance band is stretchable between anunstretched position and a stretched position through the application ofa force; partially wrapping the waist band around a waist of the usersuch that the resistance band is in front of the user; crossing theresistance band such that the resistance band intersects itself in frontof the user; stepping onto a portion of the resistance band to restrainthe resistance band beneath the user's feet; and performing squattingexercises with the resistance band restrained beneath the user's feetsuch that the resistance band opposes the user's movement for a portionof the squatting exercise.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the stepof performing squatting exercises may be hands free.
 20. The method ofclaim 18, further comprising performing arm exercises simultaneous withperforming squatting exercises.
 21. The method of claim 18, whereinstepping onto a portion of the resistance band is done while the user isin at least a partially squatted position.
 22. The method of claim 18further comprising: detaching the resistance band from the waist band;attaching another resistance band to the waist band; and performing thecrossing step, stepping step, and performing step using the anotherresistance band.